Take 5 with Genesis Owusu
Notas do episódio
Genesis Owusu is one of Australia's most thrilling new artists.
Born Kofi Owusu-Ansah, he immigrated to Canberra with his family when he was just two years old. Almost immediately he felt like an odd one out. And he used that feeling to get weird.
20 odd years later, his music, visuals, and storytelling has resonated with millions. He's won the ARIA for Album of the Year twice (first for Smiling with No Teeth in 2021, and then with Struggler in 2023), and leads the nominations again this year for his third album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge. All across the world people sing his praises. Barack Obama has a Genesis song on his summer playlist ('Gold Chains'). And he's done it all, his way.
Genesis Owusu's song choices:
- Cibo Matto - 'Birthday Cake'
- N.E.R.D. - 'Rock Star'
- Lupe Fiasco - 'American Terrorist [Ft. Matthew Santos]'
- Prince - 'All the Critics Love U in New York'
- Tyler, The Creator - 'I Think'
00:00 Introduction: From Ghana to ARIA Award-Winning Musician
02:06 Early Life: Family, Music, and Immigrating to Canberra
04:50 First song: Cibo Matto, 'Birthday Cake' & Jet Set Radio Future
06:35 "Ugly Was Also to Be Appreciated": Why Every Album Opens Abrasive
07:23 The Biggest Creative Influence: Jet Set Radio Future & Video Game Soundtracks
09:29 First Ever Favorite Song: Wu Tang Clan, 'Gravel Pit' (via the Original Xbox)
11:35 Second song: N.E.R.D, 'Rock Star' & Finding His Identity
20:08 The Tree Dream: A One-Man Band Playing to All the School Kids
21:34 First Rap: The Ansah Brothers & Parents' Reaction
25:35 Third song: Lupe Fiasco, 'American Terrorist' & Political Awakening
35:33 Fourth song: Prince, 'All the Critics Love U in New York' & Making Smiling With No Teeth
41:47 Winning the ARIA for Album of the Year
46:14 Side Quests: Learning New Skills Beyond Music
49:41 Fifth song: Tyler, The Creator, 'I Think' & The Power of the Album
51:32 Solange's Unsung Influence on Music Videos
54:59 Fear of Stagnation & Staying True to the 10-Year-Old's Mission
57:55 Wrap-Up & Next Episode Preview of Vika & Linda Bull
This episode was filmed for Season 5 of Take 5 with Zan Rowe on ABC TV and ABC iview. You can stream the whole season on ABC iview now.
Watch this episode of Take 5 on ABC iview
https://iview.abc.net.au/show/take-5-with-zan-roweTake 5: live in record stores
This November, we're heading into record stores with some very special guests - and we want you to come along.
Zan Rowe will visit four record stores in New South Wales and Victoria to record rare, intimate live episodes of the Take 5 podcast, which celebrates 20 years in 2026.
She's pulled out the Rolodex for this one, convincing Aussie legends The Presets, Dan Sultan, Kate Miller-Heidke, and her old mate John Butler to come along for the ride.
Find out all the details here.